‘Switzerland in Spain’ for half the price — the cooler, less crowded Catalan Pyrenees

Spectacular Mont Rebei Gorge (Picture: Catalonia Tourism Board)

The two kids are decked out in red T-shirts and coloured pañuelos around their necks, just like their parents.

‘Arties Frikis’, their T-shirt slogans read – freaks, or crazy fans.

But despite dad’s coaxing, they refuse to jump over the flaming log in the main square, deliberately set alight as part of the Arties village festivities.

Their mum says it’s their first time, so they’re a little scared. I don’t blame them.

Still, dubious pastimes aside, I can’t help but buy into the village’s charm.

Arties is picture-book pretty, with steep slate-roofed and stone-walled chalets, rocky streams and emerald-green hills where goats and cows still graze.